20 Best Free Training Programs For Adults In Denver, CO (2023 Updated)
Denver is a city that offers abundant opportunities for adult learning and career development. From leading community colleges to innovative vocational schools, Denver has a wealth of institutions providing accessible and enriching training programs.
As an education reform expert dedicated to promoting equal access to high-quality learning, I have conducted in-depth research to identify the top free training programs for adults in Denver in 2024. Whether you’re looking to gain new job skills, change careers, or simply pursue a personal passion, there are options to suit your needs.
In this blog post, I will highlight the 20 best free adult training programs in Denver based on factors such as program quality, breadth of course offerings, reputation, and student outcomes and satisfaction. My recommendations encompass a diverse range of fields and formats, from short-term certifications to diploma and degree programs.
1. Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College is one of Denver’s leading institutions for career-focused education for learners of all ages and backgrounds. The college offers over 100 tuition-free programs and classes across high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, culinary arts, and more.
Standout programs include Medical Assistant Training, where students gain hands-on skills in a simulation lab, and Introduction to Solar Energy, which covers design, installation, and maintenance of solar PV systems. Emily Griffith integrates industry partnerships into its curriculum to ensure programs align with current workforce needs. The college also provides career counseling services to support students’ employment goals.
Key Stats:
- 12 tuition-free diploma and certificate programs
- 500+ free classes and workshops
- 80% of students find employment within 1 year of graduating
2. Denver Public Library
The Denver Public Library operates one of the most extensive adult education programs in the city, with free classes at multiple branch locations. Subject areas span digital literacy, financial management, small business development, art and design, and more.
Popular courses include Excel Basics for Business, where participants learn data analysis and visualization skills using spreadsheets, and Couponing 101, which teaches effective shopping strategies to save money. The library also offers GED preparation workshops and English conversation groups for non-native speakers.
Key Stats:
- 100+ free adult education classes
- 13 branch locations
- 35,000+ annual participants
3. Johnson & Wales University
While not entirely free, Johnson & Wales University offers an innovative program called Aspire, which provides career training scholarships and support services to eligible adults in the Denver area. Qualifying students can access JWU’s world-class culinary, hospitality, and business programs tuition-free.
The 12-month diploma programs deliver hands-on learning in high-tech labs and kitchens, combining theory with practical skills. Areas of study include baking & pastry, food and beverage management, and food entrepreneurship. Aspire students also receive career coaching, soft skills training, and job placement assistance.
Key Stats:
- 12 diploma programs available through full-tuition Aspire Scholarship
- $36 million in Aspire Scholarships awarded annually
- 82% graduation rate for Aspire students
4. Emily Griffith High School
Emily Griffith High School offers flexible course options, including in-person evening classes and online learning, to help adult learners earn a high school credential. Students can take individual courses tuition-free to prepare for the GED exam or access online credit recovery to complete the remaining credits required for graduation.
Key subject areas include math, science, English language arts, and social studies. Emily Griffith provides an encouraging environment for adults to advance their education, with supportive teachers and access to school counseling. For eligible students, they also offer job training, college application assistance, and transportation support.
Key Stats:
- Free in-person and online courses
- On-site childcare and transportation assistance
- 150+ adult students served annually
5. Project PAVE
Project PAVE empowers at-risk youth and promotes equitable education through wraparound services such as academic tutoring, mentorship, mental health counseling, and more. While primarily focused on adolescents, Project PAVE’s Connections program also provides free GED preparation workshops, high school equivalency testing, and career guidance to young adults ages 17-24.
The program offers personalized case management and goal setting, college and financial aid workshops, resume building and interview skills. Project PAVE creates a supportive community focused on helping young people overcome challenges to continue their education and vocational training.
Key Stats:
- Free GED preparation and testing
- College and career readiness workshops
- Case management and individualized support
6. Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of Denver operates an Adult Education and Literacy Program that provides free ESL, GED preparation, and workforce development classes to community members from diverse backgrounds. Their learner-centered approach creates a welcoming environment for adults to build literacy, language, digital, and employability skills.
Classes are offered mornings and evenings at various locations in the Denver Metro region. Catholic Charities also partners with local employers to offer industry-specific technical skills training in manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and the culinary arts field. Tuition assistance is available to help students access certification programs.
Key Stats:
- 200+ adult learners served annually
- ESL, GED, and workforce training classes
- Technical skills courses in partnership with local employers
7. Denver Urban Gardens
Denver Urban Gardens empowers community well-being through urban agriculture. The non-profit provides over 200 free gardening and nutrition education classes annually to youth and adults. Programs take place at community learning gardens across the city.
Popular training topics include vegetable gardening, composting, seed saving, beekeeping, greenhouse management, and cooking classes featuring seasonal produce. Many courses are bilingual and open to gardeners of all experience levels. Denver Urban Gardens combines practical urban agriculture skills with community building for a holistic learning experience.
Key Stats:
- 200+ free gardening and nutrition classes
- Hands-on learning in community gardens
- 7,000+ adults and youth served annually
8. Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a robust selection of adult education courses focused on horticulture, wellness, art, and sustainability. Classes range from one day workshops to multi-week certificate programs, with many free options available.
Standout options include the Wellness Walking Series, which combines nature tours with mindfulness strategies, and Introduction to Organic Gardening, covering soil health, composting, and pest management. Denver Botanic also partners with organizations like the Colorado Native Plant Society to provide specialty training for home gardeners and environmental professionals.
Key Stats:
- 100+ adult classes and workshops annually
- 25+ free introductory courses
- Custom training partnerships with horticultural organizations
9. Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute
Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI) empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners through financial education and affordable loans. They provide free weekly training workshops covering topics like marketing, accounting, operations, and accessing capital for startups or existing businesses.
RMMFI’s culturally competent instructors ensure trainings are accessible to immigrant and minority small business owners. Participants who complete 12+ hours of training are then eligible for loans up to $50k and ongoing business advising. By combining education and funding, RMMFI supports sustainable entrepreneurship and community economic development.
Key Stats:
- Free 2-hour workshops offered weekly
- 120 training hours required for lending eligibility
- $13 million in loans funded and over 2,800 jobs created
10. Friends of The Haven
Friends of The Haven provides workforce development programs for women seeking economic security. Their tuition-free training tracks help participants gain skills in high-demand fields while building confidence and self-sufficiency.
Standout programs include First Step Computer Classes which teach basic digital literacy skills, and their 4-week Customer Service and Sales Certification. The Haven also partners with Emily Griffith Technical College to connect graduates with more advanced training in healthcare, IT, and the trades. Ongoing career mentoring and coaching is offered to support women in entering and retaining employment.
Key Stats:
- Tuition-free classes in customer service, computer skills, and financial literacy
- Partnerships with Emily Griffith Technical College
- 95% of participants report increased self-confidence
11. Mi Casa Resource Center
Mi Casa Resource Center empowers Latino and working families through career and business development training. They provide 100+ free workshops annually, including family business and leadership programs, financial literacy courses, and their specialized Latino Construction Training Program.
The bilingual program prepares participants for construction trade careers through hands-on carpentry, OSHA safety, and toolbox skills training. Mi Casa assists graduates with job placement services and has workforce partnerships with local housing developers. Additional offerings like PYD Training help youth develop professional skills.
Key Stats:
- 100+ free workshops annually
- 600+ trained in their Latino Construction Program
- $46k average graduate salary
12. Denver Housing Authority
The Denver Housing Authority provides free workforce training, financial empowerment, adult education, and digital literacy programs to youth and adult residents of DHA communities. Courses are offered onsite at housing centers, with childcare and transportation assistance available.
Popular training tracks include hospitality, IT, manufacturing, construction trades, and healthcare, offered in partnership with Emily Griffith Technical College. DHA also provides English language and financial literacy courses focused on budgeting, credit management, and accessing mainstream banking resources.
Key Stats:
- 500+ residents complete job training annually
- On-site childcare and transportation
- 80+ DHA sites offering adult education programs
13. Metro Caring Food Pantry
Metro Caring is a local anti-hunger organization providing nutritious food and empowerment resources to the community. They offer a unique Job Skills Training Program combining digital literacy, financial coaching, personalized career development, and hands-on work experience.
The tuition-free classroom training prepares participants for roles as Front Desk Associates. Trainees then complete a 6-week paid internship working at Metro Caring’s offices and food pantry. This integrated approach develops both technical abilities and interpersonal skills needed for long-term employment.
Key Stats:
- Tuition-free digital literacy and job readiness training
- 6-week paid internship
- Career coaching and resume support
14. Colorado African Organization
The Colorado African Organization promotes cultural exchange and empowerment among African immigrants and refugees. They provide free workshops on topics like financial literacy, affordable health access, educational advancement, and skill-building for community members.
Popular courses include their employment readiness workshops, teaching interview skills and workplace norms, and Lending Circle trainings which build knowledge of business financing options. CAO also offers immigration counseling and case management for navigating educational and economic opportunities in the U.S.
Key Stats:
- Employment readiness and interview skills workshops
- Financial literacy and lending circle education
- Immigration counseling and cultural integration support
15. Denver Sheriff Department FACT Program
The Denver Sheriff Department helps incarcerated individuals make a successful transition back into the community through education, counseling, and vocational training. The Free And Clean Trades (FACT) program provides free construction trades training to inmates before release and job placement assistance afterward.
The hands-on curriculum covers carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and facilities maintenance skills. FACT collaborates with local unions and employers to support graduate employment. Other re-entry programs provide cognitive behavioral therapy, addiction counseling, parenting classes, and more.
Key Stats:
- Free construction trades training
- Job placement assistance
- Cognitive, addiction, and life skills counseling
16. Denver Office of Adult Education
The Denver Office of Adult Education provides free GED, ESL, and workforce development classes through centers across the city. Their College and Career Pathways program offers tuition-free training in high-demand industries like healthcare, IT, hospitality, and the skilled trades.
Classes prepare students to pass certification exams and also focus on employability skills like interviewing and resume writing. Many programs include hands-on learning opportunities and field trips. The Denver Office of Adult Education also helps students transition to postsecondary education through advising services.
Key Stats:
- Free GED, ESL, and workforce training
- Tuition-free industry certification programs
- College and career transition support
17. Colorado Restaurant Association
The Colorado Restaurant Association Foundation provides free and low-cost trainings to help foodservice workers advance their culinary and hospitality careers. Their ProStart program offers high school students industry-focused training combining classroom study with on-the-job learning.
The Foundation also offers ServSafe food safety certifications, front and back of house skills workshops, customer service and leadership development, and English language classes tailored to the restaurant industry. Aspiring and current foodservice professionals can gain skills for entering and advancing in the field.
Key Stats:
- Free and discounted industry training
- ServSafe and ProStart certifications
- Specialized ESL for restaurant work
18. Curtis Park Community Center
The Curtis Park Community Center provides free educational and vocational programming to residents of the Five Points neighborhood. Focus areas include GED and ESL instruction, financial literacy, health and nutrition workshops, and job readiness training.
The Hire Colorado program offers workforce skills classes, paid work experience opportunities, and job placement support in construction and healthcare. Youth programming like tutoring, leadership development, and the arts is also available. The Community Center aims to empower individuals and strengthen community bonds.
Key Stats:
- GED, ESL, financial literacy courses
- Hire Colorado job training program
- Youth development and community building
19. Denver Indian Center
The Denver Indian Center provides culturally tailored education, workforce development, entrepreneurship training, and more to empower the urban Native community. Training offerings include financial and digital literacy workshops, small business development courses, career exploration for Native youth, and skills training in partnership with Red Rocks Community College.
The Center takes a holistic approach focused on Native identity, culture, leadership, and community well-being. By offering both cultural and vocational training, the Denver Indian Center works to uplift and create opportunity for Natives in an urban environment.
Key Stats:
- Financial, digital, and entrepreneurship workshops
- Partnerships with Red Rocks Community College
- Culturally tailored training focused on Native identity
20. Emily Griffith Opportunity School
The Emily Griffith Opportunity School offers free GED preparation, English language learning, and career development classes to help Denver residents advance academically and professionally. Standout programs include Pathways 2 Healthcare, which provides training and certifications for health sector jobs, and their recent CDL driving certification course.
The school also provides advising on postsecondary education options and financial aid. Small class sizes and supportive instructors provide individualized attention tailored to each learner’s strengths and needs. Emily Griffith Opportunity School strives to meet community members where they are and help them achieve their potential.
Key Stats:
- Free GED, ESL, and workforce readiness classes
- Healthcare and CDL certification programs
- Postsecondary transition advising
- Denver offers an impressive range of free or low-cost training options for adults seeking to grow their skills and advance their education and career opportunities.
- Programs span a diverse range of fields, from healthcare and skilled trades to hospitality, technology, language learning, small business development, and more.
- Many providers offer hands-on learning opportunities, industry partnerships, and career placement assistance to help participants translate their training into employment success.
- Options are available for adults at all skill levels, from introductory classes for beginners to advanced certification programs that lead to new professional roles.
- Whether looking to complete high school equivalency, change careers, pick up a new hobby, or start a business, adults in Denver can find enriching educational experiences tailored to their individual needs and goals.
